Estacion Yumbel

Mauricio dry farms 4 hectares of Pais, Malbec, and Moscatel, all of which bush vines planted on the volcanic soils of Secano Interior de Yumbel. He barely even uses copper in the vineyards and the wines are all zero zero and completely unfined and unfiltered. He produces somewhere around 18,000 total bottles a year where Pipeño accounts for just over half of that.

Oh yeah! If he weren’t already badass enough, in his spare time he also trains and races Arabian horses owning three or four himself! - Selections de le Viña

About the Winemaker

Estacion Yumbel

Mauricio epitomizes the true essence of Pipeño, crafting an authentic and unadulterated expression of this traditional farmer's wine in a remote corner of Biobío. Amidst the recent commercialization of Pipeño, Mauricio remains steadfast in his commitment to its roots, using 100% País grapes fermented and aged in pipas—old vertical barrels made from native Raulí beechwood. Operating in a rustic barn with no temperature control, Mauricio embraces low-tech winemaking, eschewing corrections and employing minimal intervention techniques, including the use of a small basket press and mechanical destemmer. Despite his humble approach, Mauricio's expertise is evident, honed through a decade of experience in industrial wineries across Mendoza and northern Chile.

The Region

Central Valley, Chile

The Central Valley of California, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions, is gaining recognition for its natural winemaking practices and diverse range of wines. Stretching from the Sacramento Valley in the north to the San Joaquin Valley in the south, the Central Valley benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it ideal for viticulture. Natural winemakers in the Central Valley prioritize organic and sustainable farming methods, eschewing chemical additives and pesticides in favor of environmentally-friendly practices. They cultivate a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, with minimal intervention to produce wines that reflect the region's unique terroir and the purity of the fruit. The Central Valley's natural wines are known for their accessibility, fruit-forwardness, and affordability, with Cabernet Sauvignon offering rich dark fruit flavors, Chardonnay providing crisp acidity and tropical fruit notes, Merlot showcasing soft tannins and red berry flavors, and Zinfandel presenting bold, spicy characteristics. As the demand for authentic and terroir-driven wines continues to grow, the Central Valley remains a key player in the natural wine movement, offering a taste of California's winemaking heritage and commitment to sustainability with every bottle.